He was a wonderful man and a terrific father. He was handsome, carin', witty, stubborn, givin', strong, lovin' and a tad sarcastic. They say ya marry a man like your daddy... I'm blessed to know that I did. I just wish he lived long enough to see that. We decided to get married on his birthday. I know in my heart he was "there" with us that day.
When he passed, I remember the sea of folks (many we didn't know) came to pay their last respects to him at the funeral home. I heard wonderful stories after stories about the man I called "my daddy."
A gentleman came up to us and said "I haven't seen your father in over 35 years." He then told us his story.
Back when my daddy was in his 20's, he lived next door to a family who were strugglin', like so many families did back then. He noticed their children didn't have any hats or mittens as they walked to school. (If y'all have even lived in central New York, ya know the winters are rough) My father took them down to the local Woolworth's and bought them all hats and mittens. The man never forgot that simple good deed my daddy did for his family so many years ago. I always knew he was givin', but that story touched me so.
My daddy was like a lil' kid around Christmas. I'm happy to say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. :> )
Back in the 70's just before Christmas, we'd go to Kmart. In the front of the store stood a huge Christmas tree. On the tree were cards with the names of gifts folks could purchase for the less fortunate. I remember one year I picked a "Monopoly Game" and daddy picked "Boy's Jeans". We made our purchases and went home to wrap them.
As I watched him cut the price tag off, I noticed he tucked a 10 dollar bill in the back pocket of the jeans. He looked at me, smiled and said "Won't that lil' boy be surprised?!" I'll never forget that look of pure joy on my daddy's face. It truly is better to give than receive.
Beautiful story. My dad died just a little over a year ago. I still selfishly cry. *Heavy sigh* I always hope as time passes I may miss him a little less. From reading your post I realize that probably will not come to pass. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAng, I'm so sorry to hear about the passin' of your dad. The holidays are always a rough time. My dad passed away on Good Friday so Easter is still a struggle for me. Last year I made a promise to myself (and my dad) I would do better. I know that's what he would have wanted.
ReplyDeleteOver time you will heal. You may always carry the pain but the wonderful memories will far outweigh the sad ones. That I can promise. :> )
God bless...
Aw Peanut what a nice tribute to your daddy!
ReplyDeleteHe would be (and is) very proud of you I'm sure! Cuz you are just about the nicest gal there is. The apple didn't fall far from the tree sounds like to me!
Hugs, Nan
Oh, Peanut. What a beautiful story about your dad. The story about the $10 brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI can sooo relate to this Goob - what a wonderful beautiful tribute - I miss my folks so much at times it hurts but especially my daddy because I was able to know him as an adult and not a child. Isn't it wonderful to have and cling to our memories? I hope they never fade... thanks for the wonderful story, buddy
ReplyDeleteYou have a tremendous legacy here, dear one. I feel as if I know him very well.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Blondie